Watch this webinar to learn how to manage and create your online content for maximum SEO. Learn the ins and outs of how to create new pages, add different block templates, and update key content elements easily.
Summary
The conversation was a recorded training webinar focused on website content creation, including how to add and edit blocks, pages, and location information within a website platform. The session also covered helpful tips for SEO and managing website updates efficiently.
Topics discussed
Website Content Creation and Editing
- How to add new blocks, including images, text, and promotional banners.
- Using the platform’s skeleton view to select and customize block types.
- Applying effects like parallax and background colors for visual appeal.
- Utilizing AI tools to generate or rewrite content quickly.
- Previewing changes before publishing to ensure accuracy.
Page and Blog Management
- Creating new pages with specific URLs and SEO titles.
- Copying blocks across pages for consistency and time-saving.
- Adding and editing blog posts, including teasers, images, and content.
- Managing page history to revert to previous versions if needed.
Location Data and Customization
- Updating location-specific information such as addresses, phone numbers, and images.
- Adding offers or promotions to individual locations with customizable images.
- Enabling editing of footer content for easier updates.
- Future features like city and market pages for multiple locations.
Additional Resources and Support
- Accessing the knowledge base for articles and videos.
- Contacting support via email for personalized assistance.
- Upcoming webinars on design tips and advanced website features.
Meet Your Trainer & Session Goals
My name is Damon, and I am the marketing and training specialist here at Adverank. We have a lot of fun stuff to get to today, so I’m going to jump right in.
We’re talking about content creation: how to add new pages, new block types, and update key elements quickly and easily. I’ll share my screen and get started.
Logging In to Blocks
The first thing to point out: when you log in to Blocks, you’ll always type your website followed by /account or /login. For example, avidstorage.com/account or aplusmini.com/login. That takes you to your login page. Enter your email address and password and log in.
Dashboard Tour & Real-Time Metrics
You’ll land on the Dashboard view. If you scroll down, you’ll see a few different cards of information. This is real-time, up-to-date information on your website. The website I’m using is a dummy site for demo purposes, so the numbers aren’t real, but you can see when your last rental form was viewed or abandoned, how many visitors you’ve had for the day, and you can even see that by location. It updates in real time. It’s a great place to check key metrics throughout the day or week.
Pages Overview: Corporate vs. Location
On the left, click Pages. That brings you to all the pages on the website. In the top right, you’ll see two tabs: Corporate Pages and Location Pages. Location Pages are all the location landing pages on your website. This is where you’d go to add or change blocks or information on those landing pages your customers see.
All your other pages—like your homepage, About Us, and Contact Us—are under Corporate Pages. (Blogs are in a separate area I’ll show you today.)
As your site grows, use the search bar to find a specific page. If I’m looking for the Kloset Storage page, I can start typing and it takes me right to the page I want to edit.
Live vs. Editor Views (Dynamic Blocks & Reviews Slider)
Today we’ll work on the Homepage. I’ll create a new draft. The right side of my screen is the live view for comparison: a video in the header background, an offer, then a dynamic block showing the four closest locations to my current IP address.
This is a dynamic section; it pulls from your FMS so visitors see their nearest locations. Below that, you’ll see other content like a Slider block for reviews, then an Image Left/Text Right block, then a Text Left/Image Right, and so on.
In the editing view, dynamic areas show placeholder images, but all the blocks below are the ones you can create, add, change, and move around.
Adding a New Content Block
Let’s add a new block focusing on community involvement for our fictitious company, Kloset Storage. In the top right, click Add Block. You’ll see the option to place it above the dynamic block—leave that unchecked for now—and click Add Block Row. Scroll down to see the new block, then click Edit Block.
Choosing a Layout in Skeleton View
This opens the Skeleton view: all the block options—Text Left/Image Right, Image Left/Text Right, the Slider, Blog block, etc. I’ll choose Image Left/Text Right.
Images, ALT Text & Parallax Effect
Now we’re in the block editor. I’ll add an image by choosing a file from the image library—a photo of employees loading boxes for a food drive. Be sure to add ALT text. This helps with SEO and accessibility for visitors using screen readers.
I’ll enable the Parallax effect and click Upload and Save Changes. Now the image is added. I’ll save the block to preview the Parallax. As I scroll the page, you’ll see the background image moves at a different rate than the rest of the content for a dynamic effect.
Writing & Formatting Content (Headings, Paste as Text)
Back in Edit Block, I’ll add text. When pasting from a Word doc, use Ctrl+Shift+V or “Paste as text” to avoid bringing over formatting. I’ll format the heading using an H2 so search engines recognize it as a title.
Using AI Assist to Draft/Rewrite Copy
We’ve also integrated Blocks with OpenAI. If you know what the block should be about but don’t have text yet, click AI Assist → Rewrite, give it a prompt (for example: “Write a paragraph about our community outreach with local food drives and youth sports, under 60 words”), and process. If you like the result, click Replace and keep your existing heading.
Brand Colors & Hex Codes
Now I’ll change the background color. If you have brand hex values, type the hex code to get an exact match. I’ll choose black for this block and then change the text color to white so it’s readable. Save the block, scroll, and make sure it looks good.
Reordering Blocks & Page Layout
To change the block position, use the up/down arrows at the top of the block to move it where you want. Each click refreshes the page, so keep moving it until it’s in the right spot.
Preview, Publish & Version History
If you want to see it before publishing, click Preview. In Preview, the header video and the dynamic block won’t display, but everything else will look exactly like the live page. The Parallax looks good; I’m happy with it, so I’ll Publish.
If you make a bunch of changes and want to revert, use the History tab to roll back to your last published version.
Creating a Promo Above the Dynamic Block
Next, let’s add a block above the dynamic block. This is useful for a promo you want at the top. Click Add Block and check “Above Dynamic Block,” then Add Block Row. I’ll choose the Full Fixed Image skeleton, click Edit Image, choose a prepared “BOGO Christmas Promotion” image, add ALT text, and (optionally) a URL if you want the image to link somewhere. Upload and Save Changes.
If you see color on the sides on wide screens, set a matching background color with the correct hex. Save the block and Publish. It’s now on the live site.
Adding a New Page (URL Slug vs. Browser Title)
Now let’s add a new page. Go back to Pages and click Add Page. You’ll see two “title” fields: the one on the left becomes the URL slug (keep it short and permanent), and the one on the right is the browser/page title (what shows in navigation and can be changed later).
For example, under the “Storage Types” menu on the live site, labels like Business Storage and Box Storage are driven by that browser title field.
Copy/Paste Blocks Across Pages
I already started a page for Seasonal Storage. When you save a new page, it opens blank—no SEO settings or blocks yet. Rather than build from scratch, here’s a time-saving feature: on any page with a block you like, click the blue Copy button at the top of that block. A Paste button appears on that page—and also appears on any other draft page after you refresh. Go to your new Seasonal Storage page, refresh, click Paste, and the block is added instantly.
SEO Optimizer, Keywords & Descriptions
With text on the page, you’ll notice the SEO Optimizer updates (for example, “4 of 5”). The Optimizer considers factors like the amount of scrollable text, use of ALT text, and content balance. I’ll add SEO keywords and an SEO description, then Save.
If I wanted this page to appear under “Storage Types,” I’d open the Menu setting, select Storage Types, and Save—then Publish when ready.
Blogs: Creating Posts, Teasers & Thumbnails
Let’s look at Blogs. Click Blog on the left. You’ll see existing posts, and on the live site you can see how the blog index lays them out.
To add a new post, click Add Blog Post. The Blog Name becomes part of the URL (so keep it short); the Blog Title can be longer and changed later. Add a Teaser—on the index page this shows under the image. I like 150–160 characters for a consistent four-line look, but that’s up to you. Add an image that works both as the thumbnail and as the header image inside the post, then add content blocks just like on pages.
Locations: Data vs. Location Pages
Finally, click Locations on the left. This is different from editing a location page’s content blocks. The Locations section is your location data/integration area—phone numbers, addresses, office hours, location teaser, etc.
Adding New Locations (SSM Facility ID)
When adding a new location, you’ll use the same form but blank. You’ll need your SSM Facility ID. Once you enter that and fill in details (including an image), save, and within minutes that new location is live on the website.
Per-Location Offers & Swapping Artwork
Back on Location Pages, you’ll see each location. One may show an offer while others don’t. You can add an offer image per location.
For example, if I want the offer background to be red instead of the current image, click Choose File, select the red version, and Save Location. Refresh the live site and the new image appears on the location page and in the locations list.
You can set different offers per location—50% off at one, $1 move-in at another—by using different images.
Help Center & Image/Video Guidelines
If you ever have questions, you can always email us and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible. Also, click the Help/Knowledge Base link on the left.
We have articles and videos on many tasks—like adding a block—and a new “Image and Video Guidelines” article covering preferred dimensions and optimization. You can also watch past webinars, like “Blocks Basics.”